Shirley Creek Campground

Our Take

What makes Shirley Creek Campground special

Shirley Creek Campground is a hidden gem for campers who prefer their nights under the stars with a healthy dose of simplicity. This primitive campground in Indiana sits along the banks of its namesake creek, offering 17 sites in a wooded setting where the forest canopy filters the sunlight and the water provides a constant, calming backdrop. There is no use fee here, which makes Shirley Creek an especially appealing option for budget-conscious adventurers, weekend wanderers, and families introducing young ones to the joys of tent camping without a major investment. The trade-off for free admission is a back-to-basics experience: expect no hookups, no showers, and no paved pads. What you get instead is genuine quiet, the company of songbirds, and the kind of unhurried pace that modern life rarely allows. The creek itself invites wading, light fishing, and plenty of idle contemplation. Surrounding woodlands are home to white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and a chorus of frogs that serenade you after dark. Bring your own firewood, pack in what you need, and let the simplicity of the place do the rest. Shirley Creek Campground proves that sometimes the best campsite is the one that asks the least of you and gives the most in return.